Day 12

The stream on our hike

The river today we an easy stretch, there were some rapids but nothing to get really excited about.  However, there was a really cool side hike which we endeavored upon.  It was comprised of a nice flowing stream with numerous rocks and ledges, which created beautiful pour overs, and mini waterfalls.  The path along this mesmerizing stream seemed, at points, as if it were something from a childhood fairytale.  There was a natural tunnel which delved through the rock, and an arch created of grape vines. 

Fairytale arch

Fairytale tunnle

Ever since we had first arrived in this wild outdoors, Miles had been bound and determined to catch a lizard.  He had also failed to do so because of their blazing speed and agility, combined with the overabundance of hiding places for them.  Upon his return to the boats, however, Miles got a lucky break.  One poor unsuspecting lizard had, apparently, taken an unwise step, thus hurtling it into the water where it was out of its element, literally.  This allowed miles to easily catch the poor creature, thus saving the little lizards life, and fulfilling his desire to catch one of the creatures. 

Me with the lizard Miles caught

Near the end of the day we also encountered an unsuspecting swimming incident.  It was Mike’s birthday today, but the beer was, somehow, on our boat.  Miles obligingly dug out the desired beverage, and we closed the distance between the boats in preparation for an exchange.  As Russ prepared himself to receive the pass, Miles readied to throw it.  Miles performance was genius… and abysmal; the can careened carefully through the air.  The arc was beautiful, it looked perfect, it was short.  Russ, in a heroic attempt to save the birthday beer, leaned forward to attempt to complete the catch.  With his delicate balance on the raft abruptly disturbed, there was one brief second where he looked up.  The look was one of shock, and realization of immediate introduction to something undesired, wide eyes and blown out cheeks; then he was in the water.  Thus Russ joined the elite ranks of the Grand Canyon, Colorado River Swim Team, by sacrificing his body to save a Miller Lite for the birthday boy.  Happy birthday Mike!!

-SM-

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